Killdeer

Charadrius vociferus

A very common (and noisy) sight throughout South
Dakota in the summer. Killdeer are known for their loud kill-deeeeer cry
and for the adults' famed "crippled bird" behavior in trying to lure predators
away from their nest by feigning injury. Killdeer have become very
accustomed to a human presence, even nesting in suburban areas.

Habitat: Open ground such as pastures,
fields, large lawns, shores, river banks, and mudflats.